* Editor's Note - This is part four of a four part series. If you missed part one, two or three click here.
By Paul Schwartz - Peekamouse Custom Guitars
The following is a general overview of the philosophy that has evolved into the guitars I design and build. Ultimately, all my instrument designs stem from five things. (The order is not important; to me they all have equal value.)

In this first installment of our EFX Pedal Insider series, Ken Volpe spends some time with Brian Mena of Menatone Pedals. They discuss the definitions of the main guitar effects pedal categories. Brian also gives some excellent advice on purchasing your first effects pedal(s).

Brian Mena has been making hand built custom guitar effects
pedals since 1996. He is known for having great ears, an amazing
creative work ethic, and a broad sense of humor. Many of his pedals
re-create the sounds of some of the most classic amps of our time with
the utmost realism. For many guitar players that covet their boutique amps,
his pedals are the only thing that they would consider putting in the
signal path. His pedals contain all analog circuitry comprised of
the finest components and true bypass switching

* Editor's Note - This is part three of a four part series. If you missed part one or two click here.

By Paul Schwartz - Peekamoose Custom Guitars
As Luthiers go I have a few heroes. These are people who have helped improve the quality of life for guitar and bass players.
These people influenced my early development and continue to do so; because what I learned though exposure to their work will always be a part of who I am.
You might want to search the web and see what their accomplishments, if you don't already know.

In the second installment of our Guitar Insider with Jon Suhr, Ken Volpe spends some time talking with our Insider about the woods used to build electric guitars and the tonal qualities produced from each.

John, what are the different types of commonly used tone woods for necks and fingerboards ?

* Editor's Note - This is part two of a four part series. If you missed part one click here

By Paul Schwartz - Peekamoose Custom Guitars
There is a space which lies between the unique physical approach any given instrument design type needs to be played well, and what any musicians’ personal technique brings to the equation. That middle ground is where we as guitar makers and repair people can ply our skills to bridge the gap. It's our responsibility to find an effective solution that satisfies the union of man and machine.

By Paul Schwartz - Peekamoose Custom Guitars & GJD Insider
Some of you may have heard of my company or myself.
I'm not as famous as many of my contemporaries however; I've been a part of the Guitar/Bass manufacturing and repair industry for twenty-seven years.
Because of this quiet presence, I'd like to treat my first column as an introduction and giving you a feel for how I think.
I'll be very happy to go on about all kinds of guitar geek subjects in future columns.
But I think for starters, you'll probably want to know a bit about myself, and how I gradually established my company over a span of roughly 25 years.

In this first installment of our Guitar Insider series, Ken Volpe spends some time with John Suhr of Suhr Guitars, Basses, and Amps and talks about the woods used to build electric guitars and the tonal qualities produced from each.

John Suhr started his building career some 35 years ago in New Jersey. Searching for the perfect tone during his bar band days, he began building his own instruments. In the early 80's John started working for Rudy Pensa at Rudy's Music Stop in NYC. It was during this time that the "Pensa-Suhr" guitars were born.

Wade Goeke is the owner of Chandler Limited. His company produces some of the finest high end microphone pre amps, compressors, and equalizers for recording studios. His client list includes Abbey Road Studios, Billy Corgan, Brian May, The Goo Goo Dolls, Lenny Kravitz, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, and more. He has years of experience in product design and in recording music. We are truly honored to have him join our team of tech columnists to share his knowledge about recording guitar tracks and music in GJD's new Pro-Audio Insider column.

1. Wade, can you please tell us what are the different types of microphones available for recording electric guitar amplifiers?